Sudan's humanitarian crisis: A nation on the brink
Sudan is grappling with one of the most severe humanitarian crises in the world today. As the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues, the toll on the population has been devastating. Over half of the population urgently needs assistance, with the situation worsening by the day.
Food insecurity and the risk of famine
Sudan is facing an alarming food crisis, with 25.6 million people—more than half of the country's population—experiencing crisis or worse levels of food insecurity. The situation is most acute in Greater Darfur, Greater Kordofan, and Al Jazirah states, where 755,000 people are on the brink of famine. The latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report highlights that these conditions could lead to famine in 14 areas if the conflict intensifies and humanitarian access remains restricted. The lean season from June to September has only exacerbated the situation, with millions struggling to secure even basic food supplies.
Mass Displacement
The conflict has displaced a staggering 10.7 million people within Sudan, making it one of the largest displacement crises globally. This includes 7.9 million people who have been displaced since the conflict began in April 2023.
Healthcare in Crisis
Since the start of the conflict, 73 attacks on health facilities have been reported, resulting in 53 deaths and over 100 injuries. The inability to safely provide medical care is leaving millions without access to essential health services, including maternal and child healthcare.
Humanitarian response and challenges
Despite the best efforts of humanitarian organisations, the response to Sudan's crisis is falling short. As of September 2024, the Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan is only 41% funded, leaving a significant gap in the resources needed to avert famine and provide essential services. Access to those in need is further hampered by ongoing conflict, bureaucratic obstacles, and the onset of the rainy season, which has cut off key routes and displaced thousands more.
VOICE members work in Sudan
In the face of Sudan's escalating crisis, VOICE members are actively engaged in delivering critical humanitarian assistance across the most affected regions. Despite the immense challenges, these organisations are providing life-saving support. Here you can find some publications from VOICE members about the situation in Sudan:
- Cash Works: Time to Act and Save Lives Amid Starvation in Sudan - Cash Consortium of Sudan (Several VOICE members)
- Failure of the international community could leave millions at risk of famine in Sudan - Sudan INGO Forum (Several VOICE members)
- INTERSOS regional humanitarian response to the Sudan displacement crisis - INTERSOS
- Sudan Watchlist Crisis Alert – IRC
- Policy Brief - Sudan’s Hunger Catastrophe: Ending the Silence - Mercy Corps
- Act for Sudanese Refugees in Chad - Plan International
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Famine looming over millions in Sudan: a stark warning to the world to act now to avert hunger-related child deaths – World Vision